Every other week, we try to introduce you to a new canine friend from a faculty or staff person.This week, we are aiming for something different. Every Swattie knows about the importance of getting to know the community and lending a hand wherever one is needed. The following are a few animal shelters closeby and in Philadelphia which accept volunteers, so that you can hang out with some furry friends and do a good deed at the same time.
Delaware County SPCA
555 Sandy Bank Road
Media, PA 19063
(610) 566-1370
delcospca.org
The 101-year-old shelter is devoted to protecting and improving the welfare of animals. The Delco SPCA makes it a priority to attempt to save as many lives of animals as possible. In order to become a volunteer, you must be at least 18 years old and stop by the shelter in order to fill out an application. After an initial 12 hours of volunteer work, volunteers are able to sign up for different classes to learn more about the organization.
Morris Animal Refuge
1242 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
(215) 735-3256
www.morrisanimalrefuge.org
This shelter, founded more than a century ago, has a mission to provide high quality care for cats, dogs, and small animals. Morris Animal Refuge is known as the first refuge in the United States which provided care for cats. Here, anyone at the college level or 18 and over is welcomed to volunteer in all aspects of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, be it the shelter itself, fundraising, or even humane education. If you wish to volunteer here, you can visit the Refuge’s website to download your application, but you must hand it in in person as the Refuge does not accept applications via email or postal mail.
Philadelphia Animal Welfare (PAWS)
100 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-238-9901
www.phillypaws.org
PAWS is the largest shelter in Philadelphia which does not kill animals. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization functions as a boutique-style adoption center. This rescue organization offers life saving programs such as low-cost vaccinations, spay/neuter services, adoption, and foster care service. PAWS encourages anyone 18 and over to volunteer and dedicate any amount of time to tasks as simple as socializing with the animals or transferring pets from the shelter to their foster homes. Any help makes a difference.
